The McKinleyville soccer team did its part and tested Del Norte well into the 80th minute, driving the ball deep into Warriors territory.

In the end, Del Norte held on, and has a 2-0 overall record to show for it.

Jesus “Chito” Herrera and Juan Alvarado each scored first-half goals as the Warriors walked away with their first Humboldt-Del Norte Big 5 League win of the season, 2-1, over the Panthers.

“They played a lot better than (in Tuesday’s 7-3 win against Illinois Valley),” Warriors assistant coach Donald Bloyd said. “In the second half (on Tuesday) they were still flat and they were lucky. This time, we played up to our standings.”

Early on, Del Norte put together solid possessions but could not move the ball well in McKinleyville territory. Half of the Panthers’ 12 shots on goal in the first half came in the first 12 minutes.

The Warriors picked up their intensity and promptly hit paydirt in the 22nd minute. Christian Marquez moved the ball to the left of the goal and connected with a streaking Herrera at the left post for a two-touch goal.

Like the 35th-minute shot by Ramirez on a through-ball that found its way to the back of the net. The referees did not signal for a goal, however, as an unexplained penalty gave McKinleyville possession.

One minute later, Del Norte drew a foul in the Panthers’ box and Ramirez lined up for the penalty kick. Nothing but net.

In the second half, the Warriors outshot McKinleyville 8-5, spending much of game’s third quarter in Panthers territory. Del Norte had a close call in the 72nd minute when Bloyd left the goal open contesting a ball. The ensuing McKinleyville shot went over the crossbar.

Two other Panthers shots in the final three minutes threatened the lead but did not extinguish it, and a minor celebration broke out upon the final whistle.

“They showed commitment and passion,” Sanyaolu said of the Warriors. “I hope it’s the beginning of good things.”

McKinleyville girls 2
Del Norte girls 0

The Panthers scored two first-half goals and held back on defense in the second half to stifle the Warriors in their Big 5 League opener on Wednesday night.